Facade of Love

Chapter 359 She’s No Match for You
Suddenly, I felt a lump in my throat and could not swallow the fruit I was chewing. My mouth went sour, and I had to take a deep
breath to steady myself. I did not look at him and instead stared out the window at the clouds.
“I didn’t mean to snap at her or start a fight,” I confessed. “Lately, she’s been obsessed with Alice. Ever since Alice got into the
hospital, I have barely seen her. I called her the night I got hurt to ask when she would be back to bring me some meds, but Alice
picked up. I could not see her or even get a hold of her. Today, when she found out I was leaving, she would not stop going on
about it and even brought up all sorts of nonsense she heard from Alice. I just lost it, and we ended up fighting.”
Idris was quiet for a few seconds before gently touching my face. “Does it still hurt?”
He was touching the cheek my mom had slapped. It was not a hard hit, and the pain had long passed.
I shook my head, though inside, I was still stewing.
Idris‘ soft chuckle reached my ears. I whipped around to face him, his dark eyes twinkling with amusement. I scowled. “What’s so
funny?”
His smile faded, yet his eyes kept their mirth. “So, you’re jealous of her, huh?”
“Her name is Alice.”
He just hummed in response, clearly unfazed.
I paused for a second before admitting, “It’s not exactly jealousy. It’s just... weird. Mom’s really taken her under her wing, and
Maxwell too.”
Both of them had only met Alice less than a month ago, but watching them, you would think they all had been close for years.
One was my mom, and the other was a friend I trusted. It was enough to make anyone a bit uneasy.

/
Idris gave me a knowing look and a half–smile. “Playing hard–to–get, huh?”
His offhand remark hit a nerve, and I scrambled to set the record straight. “No way. That’s just how it is. Why would I be jealous
of her? We barely know each other...”
Mid–sentence, I eyed Idris’s chiseled cheeks, curious. “Hey, Idris, do you think Alice is pretty?
He frowned, puzzled. “What?”
I shrugged. “Guys always have a soft spot for pretty girls. It seems you’re no different.” He laughed, but there was a hint of
frustration as he gently grabbed my face, making me look at him. “Yvette, what she looks like does not matter to me. Don’t pin
that on me. And for the record, she’s got nothing on you.”
I squinted, a secret thrill running through me. Despite this, I kept my cool and brushed his hand aside. “I’m not in a contest with
her. Back off, will you?”
With a little space between us, I felt my spirits lift. I munched on my fruit salad and gazed out at the rolling clouds.
Chapter 359 She’s No Match for You
Two hours later, we touched down in Tully City,
What a difference it was from Lake City. Stepping into Tully City was like stepping into a warm hug, a perfect winter retreat with
its balmy twenty–something degrees. We shed our bulky coats as soon as we stepped out of the car.

After we checked into the hotel, everyone slipped into their summer gear. The day had flown by, and Madam Young, who was
not as spry as she used to be, decided to call it a night after we all shared a meal.
I had always been a fan of Tully City’s nights. They are just the right kind of warm. With dinner over, I figured a stroll would be
nice.
Heading out, I bumped into Emily in the hallway. Her baby bump was just starting to show, something you could not see back in
Lake City with all the layers she had on. Now, in lighter clothes, it was clearly visible.
She looked like she was on her way out too, so I asked, “Emily, are you heading out?”
She gave me a surprised look, then a small nod. She replied a bit awkwardly, “Yeah, you too?”
“Yeah,” I said. “I’m just going to wander around a bit. Do you want to come with me?”
She paused like a thought just hit her, then agreed, “I’ve heard there’s a night market close by. Let’s go see what it’s about.”
I just went with it, not thinking much about it.
Together, we stepped out into the warm Tully City air, joining the throngs of tourists. The night was alive with markets and cool
spots to check out.
Emily was expecting, and we were just out for a chill walk. I wanted to take it easy, but she was on a mission, walking fast. I had
to pick up my pace.
She seemed lost in thought, and I could not help but ask, “Emily, where’s Liam?”
The question caught her off guard. Her face flickered with something I could not read, then she answered coolly, “I’m not sure.
He left after dinner, saying he had stuff to do.”